Contractor chosen for new $316 million Pa. prison

State officials say a contractor has been picked to build a new state prison in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The facility housing up to 4,100 inmates is expected to open in 2014 on the grounds of the State Correctional Institution at Graterford in Montgomery County.

Corrections Secretary John Wetzel and General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips announced a joint venture yesterday between Walsh Construction and Heery International, with a bid of nearly $316 million for the project.

The contractors will award the mechanical, electrical and plumbing contracts after the design is complete.